Kodak Pocket Instamatic 60

[Overrank]

A quick "review" of the Kodak Pocket Instamatic 60, one of my favourite 110 cameras. It was introduced in 1972 and was the top of the line of the Kodak cameras. Apart from the Trimlite 48, and possibly the Ektramax, it was the best Pocket Instamatic camera that Kodak made. I wouldn't like to guess how many weeks wages it was at introduction, but now it can be purchased for <£10 (which is lucky, see later).

The 60 is a rangefinder camera with auto exposure and is metered for "slow" speed 110 film, which isn't actually specified but it probably between 64 and 80 ASA. Currently available films that I use, i.e. Lomography Tiger, are 200ASA, which it will be overexposed, which is OK..


Kodak Pocket Instamatic 60

One of the problems with the 60 is that it needs a "K" battery, a special battery that is no longer made. However a few years ago I noticed that someone is the USA was making 3d printed K batteries which you could use with hearing aid cells. I bought one, and my first 60, and then used it for a while. However, one problem was that the k-battery replacement I had would need rebuilding every time you replaced the batteries (which was often as they were zinc-air batteries).


3d printed K-battery (second type I tried)


3d printed K-battery (second type I tried)

So then I saw a new K battery replacement which was screwed together rather than Sellotape. Again from the USA. I purchased one, waited for it to arrive and then put it in my 60. Which promptly broke - the shutter just stayed open. Not knowing if it was the battery or the camera I bought another camera (as I said they are very cheap) and confirmed it was the camera.

So if you're looking for a high quality 110 camera which isn't a Pentax Auto 110 or Minolta Zoom, is readily available and very pretty, but requires a custom battery that costs about the same as three cameras, then I highly recommend the Kodak Pocket Instamatic 60 !

Some photos, adjusted for contrast, but otherwise unchanged

 

[Svein Eriksen]

Interesting review. I wanted a Pocket Instamatic for my first camera around that time, but was convinced (partly because of price) to get a extremely basic P&S camera for 35mm film instead.

For my use that was a much better purchase as I got full control over aperture and shutter speed (no build in meter though) and 135 film is much better for B&W and use in the darkroom.

 

[Overrank]

Interesting review. I wanted a Pocket Instamatic for my first camera around that time, but was convinced (partly because of price) to get a extremely basic P&S camera for 35mm film instead.

For my use that was a much better purchase as I got full control over aperture and shutter speed (no build in meter though) and 135 film is much better for B&W and use in the darkroom.

I got a Pocket Instamatic 230 as a present in the 70s which is much simpler - fixed focus, sunny and cloudy settings. But if you use it on a sunny day it can produce some nice photos. Scanning my old 110 film you get the odd one or two where everything’s lined up and its like 35mm. With the better cameras you get a much better hit rate, but they would have been £££££ in the 1970s

 

[davesurrey]

I bought a Kodak Ektramax very recently and need to finish off shooting with it to find out how good it is.

Do you have any recommendations where to get it developed in the UK?

Still looking for a second generation Minolta zoom.

 

[Overrank]

I bought a Kodak Ektramax very recently and need to finish off shooting with it to find out how good it is.

I owned an Ektramax for a while but I never really got on with it. I’ve seen some pictures taken with microfilm using it ( http://quirkyguywithacamera.blogspot.com/2018/04/small-format-size-big-format-results.html ) and it’s got an outstanding lens, but really misses a rangefinder. The manual modes are a good idea, but they’re really close and I ended up with a lightmeter and lookup table to work out which one to use

Do you have any recommendations where to get it developed in the UK?

Ive been getting my film (including 110) developed at SilverPan Film Labs recently. I’ve used AG Photo Lab before that. There are a few labs which are really tailored to developing 110 as a “film found at the back of a drawer” so you get prints and a scan in a package, rather than people shooting 110 now.

Still looking for a second generation Minolta zoom.

I bought one very cheaply a few years ago, which looked like it was from a house clearance. It was a really nice camera to use but the one I had had fungus in the lens so I got rid of it. It’s one of the 110s I’d be prepared to spend reasonable money to get a nice one.

Ive also got a Canon 110ED, which is sort of the default 110 camera people are pushed to other than the Pentax. It’s nice, very well built, but a bit boring. The Minox 110S is probably now my favourite 110 in terms of the output, but it is awful to use because you think it’s going to break at every shot. I did buy that from a shop as I know they have a image of being very unreliable. It’s aperture priority which is its big bonus.

 

[davesurrey]

I bought a Kodak Ektramax very recently and need to finish off shooting with it to find out how good it is.

Do you have any recommendations where to get it developed in the UK?

Ive been getting my film (including 110) developed at SilverPan Film Labs recently. I’ve used AG Photo Lab before that. There are a few labs which are really tailored to developing 110 as a “film found at the back of a drawer” so you get prints and a scan in a package, rather than people shooting 110 now.

Thanks for the tip. the Ektramax did come with a half exposed cartridge. I'm a bit reluctant to get it developed as I feel it's intruding into someone else's life in a away. Also one can never be sure just what might be on it!! I've got other half exposed films that came with cameras I've bought. But if I decide to then who in the UK do you recommend?

Still looking for a second generation Minolta zoom.

I bought one very cheaply a few years ago, which looked like it was from a house clearance. It was a really nice camera to use but the one I had had fungus in the lens so I got rid of it. It’s one of the 110s I’d be prepared to spend reasonable money to get a nice one.

Ive also got a Canon 110ED, which is sort of the default 110 camera people are pushed to other than the Pentax. It’s nice, very well built, but a bit boring. The Minox 110S is probably now my favourite 110 in terms of the output, but it is awful to use because you think it’s going to break at every shot. I did buy that from a shop as I know they have a image of being very unreliable. It’s aperture priority which is its big bonus.

I picked up a Canon 110ED as well but have yet to shoot anything with it. With 110 it's more nostalgia and curiosity how well they can perform, knowing my Pentax Auto 1110 was quite capable in its day.

 

[Overrank]

I bought a Kodak Ektramax very recently and need to finish off shooting with it to find out how good it is.

Do you have any recommendations where to get it developed in the UK?

Ive been getting my film (including 110) developed at SilverPan Film Labs recently. I’ve used AG Photo Lab before that. There are a few labs which are really tailored to developing 110 as a “film found at the back of a drawer” so you get prints and a scan in a package, rather than people shooting 110 now.

Thanks for the tip. the Ektramax did come with a half exposed cartridge. I'm a bit reluctant to get it developed as I feel it's intruding into someone else's life in a away. Also one can never be sure just what might be on it!! I've got other half exposed films that came with cameras I've bought. But if I decide to then who in the UK do you recommend?

Ha ! I have exactly the same problem - rolls of (mostly) 35mm films from old cameras waiting to be developed. I have finished off the odd roll and it’s funny how the original photos will often be correctly exposed, whereas the ones you’ve shot recently will be grainy, even if you make a guess at how long it’s been in the camera and add a stop or too.

I’ve been using Silverpan recently for my 110, they’re around £9 for developing or £11 for dev and flextight scan. They did my Fukkatsu real black and white 110 and they were particularly nice ( https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65272908 )

Still looking for a second generation Minolta zoom.

I bought one very cheaply a few years ago, which looked like it was from a house clearance. It was a really nice camera to use but the one I had had fungus in the lens so I got rid of it. It’s one of the 110s I’d be prepared to spend reasonable money to get a nice one.

Ive also got a Canon 110ED, which is sort of the default 110 camera people are pushed to other than the Pentax. It’s nice, very well built, but a bit boring. The Minox 110S is probably now my favourite 110 in terms of the output, but it is awful to use because you think it’s going to break at every shot. I did buy that from a shop as I know they have a image of being very unreliable. It’s aperture priority which is its big bonus.

I picked up a Canon 110ED as well but have yet to shoot anything with it. With 110 it's more nostalgia and curiosity how well they can perform, knowing my Pentax Auto 1110 was quite capable in its day.

The 110ED is a nice camera. It’s like a brick for a 110, really well made. I’ve read online people saying there’s a focus issue with the 110ED on one side of Lomography Tiger, but I’ve not noticed it.
Im reassessing the Pentax, I gave it another go and was impressed with the results. I’m really liking the Minox 110S, but I think it feels like the most fragile camera I’ve ever used !

 

[jiyeoung]

Hi I’m Korean. My way of speaking can be weird because I use a translator. Of course, it is the same in other countries, but it is difficult to find information about the camera in Korea. Is the film that fits this camera type of 110 cartridge for 16mm? Should I use this film sold on the Internet? Or is it hard to get a film that fits this camera? I heard it's hard to get a battery.

 

[Overrank]

Hi I’m Korean. My way of speaking can be weird because I use a translator. Of course, it is the same in other countries, but it is difficult to find information about the camera in Korea. Is the film that fits this camera type of 110 cartridge for 16mm? Should I use this film sold on the Internet? Or is it hard to get a film that fits this camera? I heard it's hard to get a battery.

Hi

Yes, the Pocket Instamatic 60 uses 110 film which you can get fresh from Lomography, and also there is out of date Kodak and Fuji film available.

The Pocket Instamatic 60 uses a Kodak K battery which is no longer made. I am using a 3D printed holder which contains button cells, and works very well.

However if you’re just interested in using 110 film then I would recommend looking for a Canon 110 ED ( https://www.35mmc.com/19/03/2021/canon-110ed-a-mini-review/ )if you want the “Candy Bar” form factor, or a Pentax Auto 110 ( https://www.35mmc.com/19/10/2021/pentax-auto-110-review-by-bob-janes/ ) if you want the most versatility. Both are easier to come by and they don’t have the K-cell problem

 

[blåland]

Looks fun!

 

[FrancoD]

I bought a Kodak Ektramax very recently and need to finish off shooting with it to find out how good it is.

I owned an Ektramax for a while but I never really got on with it. I’ve seen some pictures taken with microfilm using it ( http://quirkyguywithacamera.blogspot.com/2018/04/small-format-size-big-format-results.html ) and it’s got an outstanding lens, but really misses a rangefinder. The manual modes are a good idea, but they’re really close and I ended up with a lightmeter and lookup table to work out which one to use

Do you have any recommendations where to get it developed in the UK?

Ive been getting my film (including 110) developed at SilverPan Film Labs recently. I’ve used AG Photo Lab before that. There are a few labs which are really tailored to developing 110 as a “film found at the back of a drawer” so you get prints and a scan in a package, rather than people shooting 110 now.

Still looking for a second generation Minolta zoom.

I bought one very cheaply a few years ago, which looked like it was from a house clearance. It was a really nice camera to use but the one I had had fungus in the lens so I got rid of it. It’s one of the 110s I’d be prepared to spend reasonable money to get a nice one.

Ive also got a Canon 110ED, which is sort of the default 110 camera people are pushed to other than the Pentax. It’s nice, very well built, but a bit boring. The Minox 110S is probably now my favourite 110 in terms of the output, but it is awful to use because you think it’s going to break at every shot. I did buy that from a shop as I know they have a image of being very unreliable. It’s aperture priority which is its big bonus.

A bit boring ? I almost fainted reading that.

I liked the Rollei 110 ( can't remember why, maybe because I was using a 35S)

Your Minox 110 was made by Balda. They sold their own version with a different lens.









Balda made at least many of the frameworks for the Minox 35mm series and possibly all of some of those cameras too. They did sell their own versions as well as making the Voighlander branded one

 

[Overrank]

I bought a Kodak Ektramax very recently and need to finish off shooting with it to find out how good it is.

I owned an Ektramax for a while but I never really got on with it. I’ve seen some pictures taken with microfilm using it ( http://quirkyguywithacamera.blogspot.com/2018/04/small-format-size-big-format-results.html ) and it’s got an outstanding lens, but really misses a rangefinder. The manual modes are a good idea, but they’re really close and I ended up with a lightmeter and lookup table to work out which one to use

Do you have any recommendations where to get it developed in the UK?

Ive been getting my film (including 110) developed at SilverPan Film Labs recently. I’ve used AG Photo Lab before that. There are a few labs which are really tailored to developing 110 as a “film found at the back of a drawer” so you get prints and a scan in a package, rather than people shooting 110 now.

Still looking for a second generation Minolta zoom.

I bought one very cheaply a few years ago, which looked like it was from a house clearance. It was a really nice camera to use but the one I had had fungus in the lens so I got rid of it. It’s one of the 110s I’d be prepared to spend reasonable money to get a nice one.

Ive also got a Canon 110ED, which is sort of the default 110 camera people are pushed to other than the Pentax. It’s nice, very well built, but a bit boring. The Minox 110S is probably now my favourite 110 in terms of the output, but it is awful to use because you think it’s going to break at every shot. I did buy that from a shop as I know they have a image of being very unreliable. It’s aperture priority which is its big bonus.

A bit boring ? I almost fainted reading that.

Probably boring in a good way - you don’t think it’s going to fall apart when you wind it on (Minox), you can easily get batteries for it (Kodak Instamatic 60), it doesn’t fall apart when you use it (Rollei)

I liked the Rollei 110 ( can't remember why, maybe because I was using a 35S)

I had a Rollei A110, I shot one film with it, I remember it being an excellent camera, and then the viewfinder fell apart when I was using it !

Your Minox 110 was made by Balda. They sold their own version with a different lens.





Balda made at least many of the frameworks for the Minox 35mm series and possibly all of some of those cameras too. They did sell their own versions as well as making the Voighlander branded one

I knew the Minox 110 was made by someone else. I’m sure it’s tougher than it feels but I cannot get used to the film wind. Looking back, if you’d have been in the market for a Minox 110 you’d have probably been better getting a Minox 35, it’s not really any bigger

 

[FrancoD]

Some Minoltas also took that K battery.

The Minolta 460 (with a HUGE 86mm equivalent "tele" lens) was also rather expensive, around the price of the Canon 110 and the top of the range Kodaks.

 

[Rock and Rollei]

Glad this thread has popped up again, may well see if I can find a way to get my 60 working again. I've a few 110 cameras I really like - the Pentax, of course, the Canon, this little Kodak, and above all, the Rollei A110. Absolute jewel of a camera.

 

[davesurrey]

It’s probably because I had a Pentax Auto 110 kit in the 70s and 80s, which travelled with me to places where I’d rather have not taken my SLRs, that I have a soft spot for the 110 format.

As well as my Auto 110 and Super 110 I have a Minolta 110 Zoom (mark 2), the one that looks a bit like an SLR, and a few smaller models; Kodak Ektramax, Canon 110ED, Halina telewide 110, Kodak 130 and 300, Minolta Autopak 460Tx and a Voigtlander Vitoret 110.

All fun little cameras and picked up very cheap.

When the weather gets better (brighter) I think I’ll take some of them out as I still have a few 110 Fukkatsu cassettes in the freezer.

Apparently Fukkatsu means “revival” in Japanese.

 

[Overrank]

I forgot to add originally that if you want one of the 3d printed k-batteries, they’re still available on eBay.com, just search for “k battery”.

 

[Bob Janes]

Hi I’m Korean. My way of speaking can be weird because I use a translator. Of course, it is the same in other countries, but it is difficult to find information about the camera in Korea. Is the film that fits this camera type of 110 cartridge for 16mm? Should I use this film sold on the Internet? Or is it hard to get a film that fits this camera? I heard it's hard to get a battery.

Hi

Yes, the Pocket Instamatic 60 uses 110 film which you can get fresh from Lomography, and also there is out of date Kodak and Fuji film available.

The Pocket Instamatic 60 uses a Kodak K battery which is no longer made. I am using a 3D printed holder which contains button cells, and works very well.

However if you’re just interested in using 110 film then I would recommend looking for a Canon 110 ED ( https://www.35mmc.com/19/03/2021/canon-110ed-a-mini-review/ )if you want the “Candy Bar” form factor, or a Pentax Auto 110 ( https://www.35mmc.com/19/10/2021/pentax-auto-110-review-by-bob-janes/ ) if you want the most versatility. Both are easier to come by and they don’t have the K-cell problem

Don't forget the Rollei A110 - although the Pentax is probably my favourite.

I did pick up an Instamatic 60 with the idea of trying to kludge the battery, so that I could compare it with the Canon and the Minox rangefinder 110 cameras, but gave up.

--
Save a life, become a stem-cell donor.
Hello to Jason Isaacs!
https://bobjanes.smugmug.com/PoTB/
Please respect a BY-NC-ND cc licence on all my public internet images

 

[Overrank]

Hi I’m Korean. My way of speaking can be weird because I use a translator. Of course, it is the same in other countries, but it is difficult to find information about the camera in Korea. Is the film that fits this camera type of 110 cartridge for 16mm? Should I use this film sold on the Internet? Or is it hard to get a film that fits this camera? I heard it's hard to get a battery.

Hi

Yes, the Pocket Instamatic 60 uses 110 film which you can get fresh from Lomography, and also there is out of date Kodak and Fuji film available.

The Pocket Instamatic 60 uses a Kodak K battery which is no longer made. I am using a 3D printed holder which contains button cells, and works very well.

However if you’re just interested in using 110 film then I would recommend looking for a Canon 110 ED ( https://www.35mmc.com/19/03/2021/canon-110ed-a-mini-review/ )if you want the “Candy Bar” form factor, or a Pentax Auto 110 ( https://www.35mmc.com/19/10/2021/pentax-auto-110-review-by-bob-janes/ ) if you want the most versatility. Both are easier to come by and they don’t have the K-cell problem

Don't forget the Rollei A110 - although the Pentax is probably my favourite.

I did pick up an Instamatic 60 with the idea of trying to kludge the battery, so that I could compare it with the Canon and the Minox rangefinder 110 cameras, but gave up.

Someone’s built an external battery pack, but given they had a k battery shell anyway I would have thought it’d be easier to reload that with batteries.

 

[48photodoggie19]

I am something of a 110 film format enthusiast. I used 110 cameras through the mid 90s and since then at various times. I often shot with Kodak Pocket Instamatic 60, Minolta Autopack 470 and Voigtlander Vitoret as well as with others. Recently acquired both Rollei A110 and E110, ran test rolls through these little jewels and hope results will be good.

However, I want to ask here if anyone has experimented with Kodak Instamatic 60 MINUS BATTERY. I want to try this but hope someone else has done so and can give me an idea what to expect. Shutter works without battery -- but at what speed? Also, what aperture is employed when the camera fires while not powered with battery? With that knowledge gained while keeping lomography tiger's 200 asa film speed in mind good images in highly restricted circumstances ought to be possible.

Can anyone help answer these questions?

- Bep.

 

[Matti_Gosch]

Hi!

I’ve just acquired a used Pocket Instamatic 50 and have quickly found out about the battery problem too. Do you have any information on the 3d printed alternative you’re using (where to get it/how to make it)?

thanks in advance and in general for your review!